Argentina secured their 16th Copa America title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Colombia at Hard Rock Stadium.
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The match, marred by security issues that caused a significant delay, was ultimately decided by Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal – his fifth of the tournament.
This victory marks Argentina’s third consecutive major tournament win, following their 2021 Copa America success and their 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
However, the celebration was bittersweet as captain Lionel Messi was forced to leave the game in the 66th minute due to injury, watching the remainder from the bench in visible distress.
The match itself was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Colombia came close early on when Jhon Cordoba hit the post, while Messi tested the Colombian keeper before his unfortunate exit.
The decisive moment came in extra time when Leandro Paredes won possession in midfield, initiating a swift attack that culminated in Martinez’s winning goal.
Messi Touches Souls
Despite his early departure from the field, Messi’s leadership shone through in the trophy presentation. In a heartwarming gesture captured on video and shared by Fox Soccer, the 37-year-old Inter Miami star invited long-time teammates Angel Di Maria and Nicolas Otamendi to join him in lifting the Copa America trophy.
This selfless act by Messi has garnered widespread attention and praise, highlighting his growth as a leader and his appreciation for his teammates’ contributions.
Di Maria Retires from International Football
The victory was particularly poignant for Angel Di Maria, as it marked his final appearance for the national team. After the match, Di Maria announced his retirement from international football, stating:
“It was my dream to retire from national team like this, Argentina is my love and my country. Thank you”
